In recent years, the topic of online courses has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Speaking exams. As more people embrace digital learning, examiners are keen to explore candidates’ perspectives on this growing trend. This article will guide you through answering questions about online courses, focusing on the key phrase “describe an online course you would like to take.”
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about online learning. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
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Have you ever taken an online course?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I have. Last year, I enrolled in a digital marketing course on Coursera. It was a six-week program that covered various aspects of online advertising and social media strategies. I found it incredibly insightful and convenient, as I could balance my studies with my full-time job.” -
What do you think are the advantages of online courses?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Online courses offer numerous benefits. Firstly, they provide unparalleled flexibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace and schedule. Additionally, they often grant access to world-class instructors and resources that might not be available locally. Moreover, online courses tend to be more cost-effective than traditional classroom-based programs, making quality education more accessible to a wider audience.”
Describe an interesting class you attended can be a great way to demonstrate your ability to articulate your learning experiences, which is also relevant when discussing online courses.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe an online course you would like to take
You should say:
- What the course is about
- Where you would take this course
- Why you want to take this course
- And explain how this course might benefit you in the future
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to take an online course in graphic design. I’ve always been interested in visual arts, and I think learning graphic design could be really useful for my career. I plan to take this course on Udemy, as they have a wide range of options and good reviews.
The main reason I want to take this course is to improve my creative skills. In my current job, we often need to create presentations and marketing materials, and having graphic design skills would be a big advantage. I believe this course will help me create more professional-looking documents and maybe even open up new career opportunities in the future.
I think the benefits of this course could be significant. Not only will it help me in my current job, but it might also allow me to take on freelance work or even change careers if I decide to pursue graphic design more seriously. Overall, I’m excited about the possibilities this course could open up for me.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’m particularly keen on enrolling in an advanced data science course offered by MIT through edX. This comprehensive program delves into cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, predictive modeling, and big data analytics – areas that are at the forefront of technological innovation.
My primary motivation for pursuing this course stems from my passion for leveraging data to drive decision-making in business contexts. As a business analyst, I’ve realized the immense potential of data science in transforming how companies operate and strategize. This course would allow me to elevate my analytical capabilities and contribute more meaningfully to my organization’s success.
The potential benefits of this course are multifaceted. Firstly, it would significantly enhance my technical proficiency, enabling me to tackle complex data challenges with greater confidence and accuracy. Moreover, the skills acquired would be highly transferable across industries, potentially opening doors to exciting career opportunities in tech giants or innovative startups. Additionally, the course’s project-based approach would provide me with a robust portfolio, showcasing my ability to apply advanced data science concepts to real-world problems.
In the long run, I envision this course as a stepping stone towards becoming a data science leader, capable of spearheading data-driven initiatives that can revolutionize business processes and drive unprecedented growth. The knowledge gained would not only benefit my career trajectory but also position me to make meaningful contributions to the field of data science as a whole.”
Follow-up Questions
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How do you think this course will impact your daily life?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I anticipate that this data science course will profoundly influence my daily routine and mindset. It will likely require me to allocate significant time for study and practice, potentially reshaping my schedule to accommodate rigorous learning sessions. Moreover, I expect to develop a more analytical approach to problem-solving in various aspects of my life, not just professionally. The course might inspire me to start personal data projects, analyzing trends in my own habits or local community issues, thereby applying my newfound skills in practical, everyday scenarios.” -
Do you think online courses can completely replace traditional classroom learning?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While online courses offer numerous advantages, I don’t believe they can entirely supplant traditional classroom learning. Both formats have their merits and serve different purposes. Online courses excel in flexibility and accessibility, making education available to a global audience. However, traditional classrooms provide irreplaceable face-to-face interactions and immediate feedback, which are crucial for certain subjects and learning styles. The ideal future of education likely lies in a blended approach, leveraging the strengths of both online and in-person learning to create a more comprehensive and adaptive educational experience.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think online courses will change the future of education?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe online courses will have a significant impact on the future of education. They’re likely to make learning more accessible and flexible, allowing people from all walks of life to acquire new skills and knowledge. This could lead to a more educated global workforce and potentially reduce educational inequalities.
However, it’s important to note that online courses might also pose challenges. For instance, they might widen the digital divide, as not everyone has equal access to technology and the internet. Additionally, some subjects that require hands-on experience might be difficult to teach effectively online.
Overall, I think we’ll see a blended approach in the future, combining the best aspects of online and traditional learning methods.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The proliferation of online courses is poised to revolutionize the educational landscape in multifaceted ways. Firstly, they’re democratizing access to knowledge, transcending geographical and socioeconomic barriers that have traditionally limited educational opportunities. This democratization could lead to a more globally competitive workforce and foster innovation across diverse fields.
Moreover, online courses are likely to accelerate the trend towards personalized learning. Advanced algorithms and AI can tailor course content and pace to individual learning styles and needs, potentially improving learning outcomes dramatically. This shift might also necessitate a redefinition of the role of educators, transforming them from mere information providers to facilitators of critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential pitfalls. The digital divide could exacerbate existing educational inequalities if not addressed proactively. Additionally, the lack of in-person interaction in online settings might impact the development of certain soft skills crucial for professional success.
In light of these factors, I anticipate a future where education becomes increasingly hybrid, seamlessly blending online and offline experiences to maximize learning efficacy and accessibility. This evolution will likely catalyze a broader reimagining of educational systems, potentially leading to more flexible, lifelong learning models that better align with the rapidly changing demands of the global economy.”
Describe a goal you want to achieve in the future could be related to taking an online course to enhance your skills or knowledge in a particular area.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Cutting-edge (adjective) /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/: The most advanced stage of development.
Example: “The course covers cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence.” -
Paradigm shift (noun) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/: A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “Online education represents a paradigm shift in how we think about learning and skill acquisition.” -
Upskill (verb) /ʌpˈskɪl/: To learn new skills or to teach workers new skills.
Example: “Many professionals are taking online courses to upskill and stay competitive in the job market.” -
Self-paced (adjective) /ˌselfˈpeɪst/: Proceeding at a speed set by the learner.
Example: “The self-paced nature of the course allows me to balance my studies with work commitments.” -
Blended learning (noun) /ˈblendɪd ˈlɜːnɪŋ/: An approach to education that combines online educational materials with traditional place-based classroom methods.
Example: “Many institutions are adopting blended learning approaches to provide the best of both worlds.”
Describe a skill you want to teach others might involve discussing how you could use knowledge gained from an online course to educate others.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing online courses:
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Use a wide range of vocabulary: Incorporate subject-specific terms and advanced vocabulary related to education and technology.
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Provide detailed responses: Elaborate on your answers with examples and personal experiences to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas.
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Show critical thinking: Discuss both advantages and potential drawbacks of online learning to showcase your analytical skills.
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Use appropriate tenses: When discussing future plans or potential benefits, use future tenses correctly.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking about this topic to ensure you can discuss it smoothly and confidently during the test.
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Demonstrate awareness of global trends: Show understanding of how online courses fit into broader educational and technological trends.
Remember, consistent practice and expanding your vocabulary are key to improving your IELTS Speaking performance. Consider recording yourself answering these questions to identify areas for improvement.
Describe an activity you do after work could include taking online courses as a way to continuously learn and develop new skills in your free time.